What's the best transportation achievement completed by a state department of transportation in 2009? That's the question to be answered by the nominations for the 2010 America's Transportation Awards. Beginning April 5, applications are being accepted for top honors in four categories: "On Time," "Under Budget," "Innovative Management" and "Best Recovery Act Project."
"Last year's winners—at the regional and national level—really showed enormous ingenuity and tremendous capability," said John Horsley, American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials (AASHTO) executive director. "From projects that speed travelers through high-occupancy toll lanes to improving safety on rural highways, improving the environment and bolstering the economy, these projects showed America the job-creating power of the transportation industry and its critical role in improving livability."
Sponsored by AASHTO, AAA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the awards are selected by a panel of independent judges at the regional level and then the top 10 vie for two awards: the Grand Prize and the People's Choice Award. Both awards carry a $10,000 prize, which can be used by the winning state for an education grant in the transportation field or to support a community project or charity.
Last year, 33 states entered 50 projects for consideration. The Minnesota Department of Transportation, which won the 2009 Grand Prize for replacing the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis, gave its $10,000 award to Survivors Resources, a private, nonprofit organization that provides immediate and long-term emotional support and practical help for the families and friends of those who have died by homicide, suicide or accident. The organization has expanded its mission to help many people who were involved in the I-35W bridge collapse in August 2007.
The Florida DOT, which won the 2009 People's Choice Award for the 95 Express Miami Project, has given its $10,000 check to the University of Florida College of Engineering for student scholarships.
The deadline for entries is Monday, May 10, 2010. For details, the application, a prize-winning submission from 2009 and complete information, go to www.americastransportationaward.org.
